TOWAMENCIN — It is more likely than not that their paths have crossed. The players on the North Penn and Lansdale Catholic boys basketball teams are bound to have seen one another on the playgrounds or in the summer leagues around town over the years.

The Crusaders second year coach Ed Enoch understands the rivalry a little better than the second year coach for the Knights, John Conrad. Enoch coached CYO ball in Lansdale before taking the gig with the Crusaders. Conrad came over from Lower Moreland, but already can tell this non-league game cannot go anywhere.

“In terms of the rivalry I am not too familiar with it,” Conrad said. “But it’s great. Ed and I talked and we would really like to keep this thing going on a regular basis.”

Friends became foes for a few hours on Saturday. The Crusaders were looking to snap a three-game losing streak while the Knights were looking to make it five consecutive wins.

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A couple clutch shots to open each half allowed the Knights to carry momentum over from a thrilling win the night prior and hold on for a 52-43 win against the Crusaders. Adrenaline spilled over from an overtime upset win over Hatboro-Horsham on Friday.

“I was afraid we were too emotionally up last night,” Conrad said. “I thought we might have a letdown today, but that is what my seniors bring. They bring leadership. The starts in the first and third quarters really helped us.”

It basically was basketball, sleep, basketball for the Knights. Fatigue was a legit concern, but the shooting of Jason Jones did not allow for a slow start. The junior drained the first four shots he took and helped the Knights race out to an early lead.

“We had a lot of adrenaline to start the game,” Jones said. “We were all fired up. We wanted to win five in a row.

Jones finished with 13 points while senior Stephan Brown led the Knights with 15 points. The Knights constantly improving bench made it possible to keep the club fresh. The Crusaders also rotated nine players, but other than senior Brian Rafferty – who finished with a game high 15 points – the Philadelphia Catholic League team struggled to sink shots.

“We just have not been shooting the ball real well,” Enoch said. “Brian is very unselfish, but he is starting to realize how talented he is. He gets everybody touches. He is a very good point guard.”

While defense by the Knights played a large part, the Crusaders have seen better nights from their guards. Sharpshooting Andrew Riviello scored all six of his points in the final four minutes of the game. The Crusaders (10-10, 1-9 in conference) need to get back on track quick if they want to sneak into the postseason.

“Riviello is a great shooter, but you are not going to make your shots once in a while,” Enoch said. “He will bounce back. He is a good player. First 10 teams get into the playoffs and we only have one league win, so we have to get at least three league wins to get in the playoffs.”

It would have been hard to talk postseason for the Knights (10-10, 4-7 in conference) two weeks ago, but after five straight wins and the confidence at an all-time high, the Suburban One Continental Conference team refuses to count themselves out. But if they do fall short of districts, they are certainly building something special for next season.

“We are playing great ball,” Jones said. “Everybody who comes in plays hard and plays good defense. Right now we are hard to beat. We will have a lot veterans coming back next year too. We will play together all summer and come back even better next year.”